2026 Program
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Sunday, September 20, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 20
Delegate Badge Pickup
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Registration Sponsored by: Copeland
Badges & Lanyards Sponsored by: Moovair
Delegate Bag Sponsored by: Messer
Mobile App Sponsored by: Refrigerative Supply
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 20
Ziplining at Arbraska Laflèche and Daytrip to Wakefield
Optional activity (additional cost of $180 + GST + QST)
Soar above the treetops at Arbraska Laflèche, refuel with Jean Burger's legendary comfort food, then wander the historic streets of Wakefield along the Gatineau River, capped off with a sweet stop at La Confiserie de Wakefield. A full day of adrenaline, flavour, and scenery just outside Gatineau.
Sponsored by: GFL Environmental
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 20
Craft Brewery Tour
Optional activity (additional cost of $170 + GST + QST)
Explore three standout craft breweries with 12 beer tastings, exclusive backstage tours for a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite brews are made, and a delicious smash burger lunch to recharge. Taste your way through Gatineau’s craft beer scene with everything from crisp, refreshing pilsners and smooth lagers to juicy IPAs, rich stouts, and creative seasonal brews.
Sponsored by: GFL Environmental
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 20
Cocktail and Networking Reception
Canadian Museum of History - Grand Hall & Haida Gwaii Salon
Join fellow delegates for an evening of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a relaxed networking setting. Please note that delegates are on their own for dinner following the reception.
*Shuttle buses to the Museum will begin departing from the hotel at 4:45 pm.
Sponsored by: A-Gas
Monday, September 21, 2026
7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Delegate Badge Pickup
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Registration Sponsored by: Copeland
Badges & Lanyards Sponsored by: Moovair
Delegate Bag Sponsored by: Messer
Mobile App Sponsored by: Refrigerative Supply
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Monday, September 21
Breakfast and Morning Remarks
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: EMCO HVAC
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Monday, September 21
Opening Keynote & Fireside Chat with The Honourable Bob Rae
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Drawing on his experience as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations and decades in public service, Bob Rae explores the economic, trade, and geopolitical forces shaping Canada's future, with insights relevant to HVACR leaders navigating energy, infrastructure, and climate policy.
Speaking: Bob Rae & Abhilash Kantamneni
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Monday, September 21
The AI in HRAI
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
From brain-computer interfaces to data centres, AI has moved from possibility to reality. Industry leaders and innovators reveal how organizations can unlock AI's potential, stay ahead of rapid change, and turn disruption into a competitive edge.
Speaking: Nirvan Gelda, Gustavo Sanchez, and Omar Tabba
Moderated by: Lauralei Heggie
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Monday, September 21
Networking & Coffee Break
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: Refrigerant Management Canada
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Global Forces Shaping HVACR
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Canada's HVACR sector is tied to global trade, exporting 2.7 billion and importing 8.1 billion yearly. Join industry experts for insight into international policies and trends shaping the equipment Canadians rely on, so you can prepare your company and colleagues for what's ahead.
Speaking: Bruce Calder, Samantha Slater, and Rick Smith
Moderated by: Mike Miller
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Lunch
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: Fantech
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Contractors Board Meeting
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Krieghoff Meeting Room
1:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Craft Beer Tour + Axe Throwing Experience
Optional activity (additional cost of $120 + GST + QST)
Enjoy four curated tastings and oak barrel aged creations at Gallicus Brewery, then head downtown for an hour of axe throwing and friendly competition. Snacks provided throughout, with minibus transportation between stops.
Sponsored by: GFL Environmental
1:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday, September 21
Casino Gaming Experience
Optional activity (additional cost of $110 + GST + QST)
Try your hand at blackjack and roulette using play money in the Salon Executif, guided by professional dealers who'll share rules, tips, and strategy for beginners and pros alike. Light snacks and a complimentary drink included in this fun, social way to unwind.
Sponsored by: GFL Environmental
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday, September 21
RMC Board Meeting
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Hamel Meeting Room
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Monday, September 21
HRAI Awards Dinner
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: Rheem Canada
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Delegate Badge Pickup
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Registration Sponsored by: Copeland
Badges & Lanyards Sponsored by: Moovair
Delegate Bag Sponsored by: Messer
Mobile App Sponsored by: Refrigerative Supply
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Tuesday, September 22
Breakfast and Morning Remarks
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: Enbridge
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Tuesday, September 22
Leading with Strength
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
In this light, interactive session, Steve Shrout introduces the core concepts of CliftonStrengths, showing how understanding personal strengths helps leaders communicate more effectively, build stronger teams, and create healthier cultures with greater confidence and clarity.
Speaking: Steve Shrout
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Tuesday, September 22
U.S. & US
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
HRAI's Martin Luymes and NAW's Brian Wild compare perspectives on workforce challenges, energy policy, supply chains, and market opportunities shaping the HVACR industry. Moderated by Toronto Star's Alex Ballingall, this discussion offers expert analysis for today's North American landscape.
Speaking: Martin Luymes, Brian Wild, and Alex Ballingall
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
10:30 am - 10:45 am
Tuesday, September 22
Networking & Coffee Break
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: KeepRite Refrigeration
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Divisional AGMs
Contractors AGM
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Suzor-Cote Meeting Room
Get an exclusive look at Properate’s Stride and Studio tools for home measurement, equipment sizing, and CSA F280 reporting, and learn how HRAI is supporting contractors with training, advocacy, and practical resources for emerging requirements.
Speaking: Arman Mottaghi
Sponsored by: ClimateCare
Manufacturers AGM
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Julien/Gagnon/Walker Meeting Room
Sponsored by: Enbridge
Wholesalers AGM
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Delfosse Meeting Room
Help shape the future priorities of the HRAI Wholesalers Division. Join an interactive discussion on industry changes, workforce challenges, market intelligence, member value, and how HRAI can strengthen the voice of wholesalers.
Sponsored by: A.M.T.S. Ltd / ADP
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Lunch
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Sponsored by: Midea Residential Air Conditioning
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
Plastics, Packaging & Product Footprints: What the HVACR Industry Needs to Know for 2026–2027
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Suzor-Cote Meeting Room
Explore evolving plastics, packaging, and sustainability requirements for HVACR in Canada and the U.S., including the Federal Plastics Registry, EPR, and life-cycle assessment. Learn what 2026 and 2027 obligations mean for manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
Speaking: Bruce Calder
Part 1 of 2
From Policy to Practice: Canada’s Energy-Efficiency Landscape and Best Practices for Heat Pumps
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Julien/Gagnon/Walker Meeting Room
Get the latest updates on Canada’s energy-efficiency policies, heat pump installation best practices, sizing and selection tools, load calculation methods, and emerging HVACR technology research.
Speaking: Jeremy Sager, Rob Singlehurst, and Jérémie Léger
EPR in Québec - lessons for the HVACR industry
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Delfosse Meeting Room
Explore what extended producer responsibility could mean for Canada’s HVACR industry, including Québec’s EPR system, emerging requirements in British Columbia, and the potential impacts on manufacturers, distributors, and contractors.
Speaking: Jules Foisy Lapointe
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Networking & Coffee Break
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Foyer B
Sponsored by: KeepRite Refrigeration
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
PFAS and HVACR: How Manufacturers Can Prepare
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Suzor-Cote Meeting Room
Explore how Canada’s evolving PFAS regulations could affect HVACR refrigerants, components, supply chains, and product decisions. Learn about key regulatory uncertainties, potential business impacts, and where industry advocacy can help influence the outcome.
Speaking: Scott Thurlow
Part 2 of 2
From Policy to Practice: Canada’s Energy-Efficiency Landscape and Best Practices for Heat Pumps
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Julien/Gagnon/Walker Meeting Room
Get the latest updates on Canada’s energy-efficiency policies, heat pump installation best practices, sizing and selection tools, load calculation methods, and emerging HVACR technology research.
Speaking: Jeremy Sager, Rob Singlehurst, and Jérémie Léger
The Policy and Pricing Case for Heat Pump Growth: Making heat pumps affordable to support smart grid growth
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Delfosse Meeting Room
Explore the two sides of heat pump affordability: upfront costs and ongoing energy costs. Examine the policy, utility, and industry levers that could support wider adoption while advancing affordability, competitiveness, and energy security.
Speaking: Mathieu Lévesque, John Purkis, and Michael Ridler
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Closing Keynote
Tariffs, Trade & Tomorrow: Turning Uncertainty Into Strategy
Hilton Lac-Leamy Conference Centre
Mozart Ballroom
Tariffs are reshaping the Canadian HVACR marketplace with new legal, financial, and operational challenges. A panel of trade and industry experts separates fact from speculation, explains what policy changes mean for your business, and shares strategies for managing risk and opportunity.
Speaking: Mathieu Cardinal, Alex Greco, William Pellerin and Huw Williams
Sponsored by: Mitsubishi Electric Sales
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Free Time
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, September 22
Parliament Hill Closing Reception with MPs
Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Room 100
*Shuttle buses to Parliament Hill will be departing from hotel beginning at 4:45 pm
Sponsored by: Condair